FULL RESULTS

The swimming & diving team notched its fifth straight state VISAA title Saturday, February 15 at Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center in Stafford, Virginia.

The team set four new school records in the process, and captain Alex Gertner '25 was a part of each. He helped the 200-yard medley relay team, including Ryan Smith '26, Edward Johnson '26 and captain Ben Butterfield '25, to a 1:32.79 winning time, breaking a school mark that existed since 2016 AND the VISAA meet mark. 

The 400 free relay team also broke a 9-year school record in 3:04.38 with Gertner, Smith, Ben Franks '27 and Johnson, placing second.

Individually, Gertner placed third in the 100 butterfly in 49.79, and dropped a 46-second 100 free, both new school records.

Other state placers included Franks, who placed second in the 200 free. Johnson took home a bronze in 200 IM. The 200 free relay team of Butterfield, Joseph Connor '25, captain Christian Rogers '25 and Franks took silver.

"It's fun to coach a group of guys that are so self-motivated," state coach of the year Bucka Watson said. "Whether they are year-round or primarily high-school only swimmers, these athletes buy in to the team identity and culture."

StC scored in 10 of 12 events, with multiple athletes scoring in three of those. Gertner, Smith (5th) and Butterfield (7th) all scored in the 100 butterfly, an example of the epitome of team.

"As a coach, I always strive to put them in the best possible situations to succeed, but it's ultimately up to them. Their excellence is a by-product of their commitment to training and their passion for this team. I am so proud of these guys and am just grateful to be their coach."